Chris dies at 66 after short illness
Christiaan Lodewikus Pienaar who lived in Alberton his entire life, will be remembered for his kind and loving nature, and his beautiful memory will live forever.
Alberton’s well-respected and registered male nurse Christiaan Pienaar, fondly known as ‘Chris’, would have given his last bread to those in need.
Family, friends and colleagues of the late 66-year-old continue to pay their respects and offer their condolences for Christiaan who sadly passed away on June 8, following a sudden illness.
The highly qualified and prolific nurse worked at the then Netcare Union Hospital for close to three decades. He went on to work at the state-of-the-art Netcare Alberton Hospital, where he worked as a night supervisor and also worked at the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU).
He had a rich history of Alberton and its development over the years.
Great Compassion
According to his brother-in-law, Kobus Labuschagne, Christiaan, who resided between Alberton North and Florentia, attended school in Alberton.
“He went to Laerskool President Steyn and completed his matric at Hoërskool Alberton. Born to scholarly parents, in his early days he started off his medical profession in the army and proceeded to work in other areas with time,” he said.
The late academia is said to have had a big heart and a strong love for animals.
“He initially wanted to become a veterinarian for his love for animals, but nursing took over. He would breed white rats because he loved animals and Mother Nature so much. Apart from being a spiritual person, he could’ve helped anyone whenever he could,” Kobus explained.
Christiaan, who is described to have been a man with countless abilities, is survived by his wife, his daughter and two grandchildren. Since childhood, he attended the Dutch Reformed Church Alberton East.
Wore many hats
For at least 30 years, apart from his medical profession, during his leisure time he took part in folk games – a traditional form of dance that originated in Europe.
“He attained several accolades in Volkspele Folk Dance. He was also a lover of sport and would spend hours glued to his television while tuned in for rugby or cricket.
“Chris will be remembered by his loved ones as a very caring person who always put others first. He was much known in Alberton and the community is saddened by his passing,” Kobus said.
He was blessed with the love of his life, Rina, in the early 90s and they later tied the knot in 1993 on Christiaan’s birthday.
His memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him.
